Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. What does Proverbs 20:7 (printed below) tell us about a righteous man who walks in his integrity?
A righteous man walks in his integrity—blessed are his children who follow him. (Proverbs 20:7)
A righteous man who “walks in his integrity” is one who is committed to the righteousness of God not just in principle, but also in practice. He “walks in his integrity;” his commitment to the Lord and His commandments governs his life in all aspects: his decisions, his lifestyle, his conduct. Proverbs 20:7b declares, “Blessed are his children who follow him.” They are blessed because their father leaves them a legacy of righteousness and godliness. They are blessed if they appreciate that blessing of a godly father’s godly example and make his lifestyle their own.
2. According to Proverbs 23:24 (printed below,) what brings great joy to a father?
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who has a wise son will take delight in him. (Proverbs 23:24)
There is nothing more joyful and satisfying to a Christian father or mother than to see their sons and daughters walking with Christ in the way of righteousness, nothing can compare with it, no amount of fame, fortune, or worldly success. We may take note of 3 John 4 and pray that this will be true of our sons and daughters: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
3. What function does a righteous man fulfill with regard to his neighbor? See Proverbs 12:26 (printed below)
The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked causes them to go astray. (Proverbs 12:26)
Proverbs 12:26 tells us, “The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor.” As a Christian, by your conduct and by your counsel, you should be setting a godly example for your neighbor. As Christians, are we living lives that reflect the righteousness of the Lord God by keeping His commandments as recorded in Exodus 20:3-17? By his life, the righteous man shows his neighbor the lifestyle that is pleasing to God, and points him to Christ the Savior, the One who is the true Source of that righteous life (note Philippians 2:14-16a).
4. Consider Proverbs 11:11 (printed below.) What effect does the righteous have upon a community in distinction to the wicked?
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs 11:11)
The city “is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked;” by the counsel the wicked give, the course they advocate, and the causes they champion, the community is overthrown. This is so because what the wicked counsel is a departure from the divine standard of God in favor of a man-centered, secular standard. But “by the blessing of the upright the city is exalted.” Not only by their counsel (calling upon the community to build itself upon the foundation of the divine moral standard of God’s commandments), but by their very presence (as God-fearing, law-abiding citizens), the righteous are a blessing to their community.
5. How does Jehovah view the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous respectively? See Proverbs 15:9 (printed below)
The way of the wicked is detestable to Jehovah; but he loves those who follow righteousness. (Proverbs 15:9)
How frequently we fail to appreciate the repulsiveness of sin in the sight of God and how morally repugnant it is to Him (note Habakkuk 1:13a and Jeremiah 9:2-3). This proverb reminds us again that “the way of the wicked is detestable to Jehovah.” The latter half of this proverb goes on to say, “Jehovah loves those who follow righteousness.” The emphasis is on the persistent practice of righteousness: following the course of righteousness in all of life, at all times and under all circumstances.
